Ashton Jeanty prepared Heisman acceptance speech he’ll never get to deliver after losing to Travis Hunter
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty’s dreams of winning the Heisman Trophy were dashed when he came up short in the voting to Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Despite having an exceptional season, Jeanty could not beat out Hunter, who had a stellar year on both offense and defense.
Jeanty, who had the best season of any Boise State running back in program history, had high hopes of winning the prestigious award. He even went as far as writing and practicing an acceptance speech in anticipation of the ceremony. However, it was Hunter’s dominance on the field that ultimately secured him the Heisman Trophy.
Hunter received 552 first-place votes compared to Jeanty’s 309, making them the top two finishers in the vote. Hunter’s versatility as a wide receiver and defensive back set him apart from the competition. He had an impressive 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a wide receiver, while also contributing on defense with 31 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and four interceptions.
In addition to winning the Heisman Trophy, Hunter also took home the Biletnikoff Award for the nation’s top wide receiver and the Bednarik Award for the best defensive player. He made history by becoming the first player to win both awards in the same season.
Despite falling short of the Heisman Trophy, Jeanty had a remarkable season, leading the country with 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. His outstanding performance helped Boise State secure the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff, earning them a first-round bye. Boise State is set to face the winner of the SMU vs. Penn State matchup in the playoffs.
On the other hand, Hunter’s Colorado team finished at No. 23 and will be playing BYU in the Alamo Bowl on December 28th. While Jeanty may not have won the Heisman Trophy, his exceptional season and leadership on the field have solidified his place as one of the top running backs in college football.
In the end, both Jeanty and Hunter have proven themselves as exceptional athletes, showcasing their talents and dedication to the game. While Jeanty’s Heisman Trophy acceptance speech may not have come to fruition, his legacy as a standout player at Boise State will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
